Cortisol Stress Test
Our Cortisol Stress Test provides a comprehensive look at how your mind and body respond to stress. This happens by combining biological analysis, mental health questionnaires, and a dedicated wellbeing coaching session when needed.
What is a Cortisol Stress Test?
Our Cortisol Stress Test assessment measures your cortisol pattern across the day, along with evidence-based questionnaire tools (PHQ-8 and GAD-7) that help assess mood, anxiety, and emotional wellbeing. Together, these insights give you a clear picture of how stress may be affecting your energy, sleep, mood, resilience and long-term health.
It's available as an add-on at a regular assessment, or as a stand-alone Home Test Kit.
With personalised recommendations in your results, plus a navigation call for anyone with amber or red flags, this test provides a powerful, holistic understanding of your stress levels and psychological wellbeing.
Please note: This test can only be booked by phone. Call us for free on 0800 652 2183 to book.
How it works
Click here for full instructions on how to take your Cortisol Stress Test at home.
You'll be provided with a sample kits to collect four saliva samples throughout the day. You'll be required to collect a sample at four set times of the day, the last sample must be collected at midnight.
What does a cortisol test show?
Your cortisol pattern shows how your body responds to stress throughout the day. Cortisol naturally:
- Rises sharply in the morning to help you wake up
- Declines steadily during the day
- Reaches its lowest point at night, preparing you for sleep
By analysing four saliva samples collected at set times, we can map this rhythm and identify patterns linked to stress, fatigue, sleep problems, burnout, overtraining, or circadian disruption.
You’ll also complete our PHQ-8 and GAD-7 questionnaires – these are two widely used psychological questionnaires that assess symptoms of low mood, depression, anxiety, and emotional strain.
Together, they provide a complete picture of your mental health and stress response.
Why take this test?
This test is ideal if you experience:
- Fatigue or low energy
- Difficulty waking or “wired but tired” feelings
- Mood changes or increased anxiety
- Trouble winding down in the evening
- Poor sleep quality
- Reduced stress resilience
- Unexplained changes in weight or appetite
Cortisol plays a role in stress response, immunity, metabolism, sleep, and emotional wellbeing. Understanding your cortisol rhythm helps you make informed, proactive changes to support long-term health.
What happens after a cortisol test?
Your results will be presented clearly, with:
- A personalised cortisol pattern graph
- Colour-coded flags for the psychological questionnaires
- Practical, evidence-based action steps
- Recommendations tailored to your energy, stress levels and lifestyle
If any part of your assessment is flagged amber or red, you’ll be offered a Cortisol & Wellbeing Coaching Session. This is a guided call with one of our specialists to help you understand your results and plan personalised next steps.
Add this test to your full health check
The Cortisol Stress Test can be added to any of our full body private health assessments. Simply choose your package and call 0800 652 2183 to add it on.
Our full body checks are:
- Quick and stress-free
- Performed by trained Bluecrest Health Assessment Specialists
- Designed for busy people seeking clarity and actionable insights without long waiting lists
FAQs
It measures how your cortisol levels rise and fall across the day to assess how well your body manages stress.
You’ll collect four saliva samples at home at set times of day, including midnight. You’ll also complete two mental health questionnaires (PHQ-8 and GAD-7).
Yes, cortisol peaks shortly after waking and gradually declines to its lowest point at bedtime.
Yes. Wait a few days for your body to settle back into your normal routine.
Yes. Salivary cortisol is not affected by oestrogen-containing contraception.
Cortisol is your body’s main stress hormone. It helps control energy levels, mood, metabolism, immunity, and sleep–wake cycles.
Anyone experiencing stress, fatigue, sleep issues, mood changes, or concerns about burnout or hormone imbalance.
Freeze each sample immediately after collection. Send all four together once completed. Samples can thaw in transit – this is normal and expected.
Wait at least 3 days after your last night shift, once your sleep pattern has returned to normal.
Yes. Corticosteroids and amphetamines can interfere with cortisol levels.
High levels may indicate chronic stress or excess cortisol production. Low levels may suggest adrenal insufficiency or suppressed cortisol output.
